The Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) degree provides students who primarily intend to pursue an academic career an opportunity for extended study, research, and scholarly writing. Those admitted to the program must have demonstrated analytic and research ability, possess outstanding academic credentials, and have completed the LL.M. or other law degree from the University of Illinois or other accredited American law school. In exceptional cases, consideration will be given to applicants who have completed programs of study in common law countries. All candidates must provide evidence of excellent reading and writing skills in English. The J.S.D. program normally takes a minimum of three years. Two years must be completed in residence at the College of Law and must include two semesters of course work. J.S.D. candidates are assigned a primary faculty advisor with expertise in the student's research area and an additional three faculty members, who form the student's doctoral committee. Each student must pass a qualifying examination demonstrating general proficiency in the student’s field of study and a preliminary examination on the research proposal. The student's faculty committee then will assess the student's thesis research and writing progress, make recommendations, and conduct an oral examination on the final draft of the dissertation. The final dissertation will then be completed and deposited with the Graduate College.